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All Ages Programs
At Springbrook Nature Center, there is something for everyone! We have regular programming that is great for adults, kids and families. No experience is needed for any of our programs - we'll teach you everything you need to know!
- Lantern Light Hike
- Winter Natural History Hikes
- Winterfest
- Snowshoe with a Naturalist
- Animal Feedings
- Environmental Fun Fair
- Migration Celebration
- Bike Programs
- Outdoor Adventures
- Summer Concert Series
- Friday Night by Firelight
- Bird Banding
Lantern Light Hikes
Fridays 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Bundle up and get ready to hike at Springbrook using the light of glowing lanterns to guide your way. Listen for owls hooting, keep your eyes peeled for elusive nocturnal animals, and warm up by the fire along the way. If snowpack allows, snowshoe rental will be available as supplies last.
Registration required, $5 per person. Children five and under are free. Register online by hitting the "Register Online" button at the top of the page, or by calling the nature center at: 763-572-3588.
Please check in at Springbrook's front desk for the event. If snowpack allows, snowshoes will be available to rent for $5/pair, while supplies last. Click on the links below to register!
December 8, 2023
January 12, 2024
February 9, 2024
March 8, 2024
Winter Natural History Hikes
On select Saturdays at 10-11 a.m. join a naturalist for a winter natural history hike!
We’ll search for animal tracks and signs in the snow while listening for MN’s year-round resident birds. Meet in the nature center lobby before we depart the building at 10:15 a.m.
Free Program, registration recommended: 2-15 attendees per program.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Saturday, January 20 11 am - 2 pm, FREE
Winterfest
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | January 20, 2024 | Springbrook Nature Center
Wander through our Winter Wonderland with activities for the whole family! Activities will include:
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Winter Gear Drive
December 1, 2023 to January 13, 2024
Let's keep each other warm! We are accepting donations of gently used/new winter outerwear. Please make sure your items are clean and ready for their new home! Donated gear will be available free of charge during Winterfest on January 20, 2024.
Donations can be dropped off at City Hall, Springbrook Nature Center or North Suburban Center for the Arts during business hours from Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 13, 2024.
Add Some Community Shimmer to Winterfest! with North Suburban Center for the Arts
November 17, 2023 to January 13, 2024
Add some winter wonder magic to our community wonderland photo backdrop! Head to North Suburban Center for the Arts from Nov. 17 through Jan. 13 to add your artistic flair to our community artwork then stop by Winterfest on 1/20 to see the final creation!
Snowshoe with a Naturalist
February 3 1-2 p.m.
February 17 1-2 p.m.
Visit Springbrook Nature Center from 1-2 p.m. for a naturalist-led snowshoeing walk! Explore our trails in a new way and try out our rental snowshoes.
Ages 6+
Fee: $5 per person, registration recommended: 2-15 attendees per program
*Snowshoes are included but you are welcome to bring your own.
Animal Feedings
Update: Our Animal feeding program is returning on a limited basis!
When we can have them, they will be on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. Check our Facebook page on Fridays!
Have you ever wondered how snakes eat, what’s for breakfast when you’re a turtle, or how a salamander finds a meal? This is the program for you. Watch our exhibit animals enjoy a delicious meal while a naturalist explains their feeding behaviors and taste preferences. Experience the predator-prey relationship in front of your eyes!
There is no charge to attend this program.
Saturday, April 20 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Returning Event | April 2024
A variety of outdoor and environmental exhibitors will be present to help us appreciate our wonderful natural world. This FREE event will also include an interactive nature hike, food trucks and activities for the whole family.
Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., FREE
Join us to celebrate Springbrook Nature Center’s Migration Celebration event! This is an annual event to celebrate the return of our migratory birds including programs and activities for all ages.
More information coming soon!
Bike Programs
No bike? No problem! We recently received an Anoka County SHIP grant for a fleet of bicycles and are excited to offer these biking opportunities to Age 13+ to Adults! Bicycles and helmets are provided, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.
Birding By Bike (2024 dates will be announced soon)
It's time for a birdwatching adventure! The program will start at Springbrook Nature Center and take regional bike trails to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park before heading back. We will pass through wetland, prairie, river floodplain, and oak forest habitats. Distance 7-9 miles.
Bike with a Naturalist (2024 dates will be announced soon)
Join us for a leisurely bike ride led by a naturalist! Ask questions, explore, and learn about the environment.
Outdoor Adventures
This private program series is for small family/friend groups consisting of no more than 15 people. There is no age limit for this program, but a parent/guardian must be in attendance for all registrants under the age of 18. Whether you are age 5 or 50, we will create an adventure for your group. The program will be entirely outside and will begin at our picnic shelter.
Fees and Availability
Fees: $50, up to 15 people total, regardless of age.
Availability: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Topics
Explore the topics and choose what is best for you! If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call and we will help you build your own adventure!
Survival
See if you have what it takes to build a shelter from scratch and start a fire without matches! *fire starting age requirement is 8-years-old and up.
Archery
Learn the basics of archery starting with what came before the modern bow. *recommended age of children is 7-years-old and up.
Pond Exploration
Learn about the wetlands of Springbrook from inside them! Whether you dip in a hand or jump in with both feet we’ll get an up-close view of our ponds and the creatures inside them.
Insect Discovery
Dive into the secret world of insects within Springbrook’s Prairies. We’ll get up close to the diverse world of insects and how they color our landscapes.
Build Your Own Adventure
If your interests don’t fit any of the adventures above, we’ll work with you to build an adventure that fits your interests.
Booking Your Program
Are you ready to get started with your Outdoor Adventure? Call the nature center at 763-572-3588 and book your program today! Time slots are limited, don’t wait.
Summer Concert Series
Join us in the Springbrook Nature Center Amphitheater for some great live music! These concerts are free to attend and great for all ages. Concerts are generously supported by the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, some insect repellent and get ready for a fun night outdoors. *Dogs are not allowed unless they are a trained service dog.
Concert Schedule will be announced in 2024
Friday Night By Firelight
It's time for some entertaining education for you and the whole family. Come out to the nature center amphitheater to hear from entertaining educators about the things they are most passionate about. This program is free to the public due to the generous sponsorship of the Springbrook Nature Center Foundation.
Fall 2024 will be available at a later date
Springbrook's Bird Banding Program Ends After 35 Years
After 35 years of dedication to the bird banding citizen science project, this was our last bird banding program. We thank all our volunteers for their hard word, dedication, and ability to work in harsh weather conditions, buggy situations, and with great joy for decades.